Eve Air Mobility and United Airlines have partnered on an Urban Air Mobility project to bring the first electric commuter flights to San Francisco, US.
The partnership will see both companies working with local authorities and providers to bring the infrastructure necessary for launching electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft in the region.
Eve’s offering says it will allow United’s customers quick, low-carbon access to its hub airports and offer a new commuting option in dense urban environments.
Eve co-CEO Andre Stein said: “Our shared goal is to provide residents and visitors to the San Francisco Bay area with efficient and cost-competitive transportation in one of the most densely populated urban areas in the US.
“The Bay Area is perfect for eVTOL flights given its size, traffic, focus on sustainability, innovation and commitment to add other options for mobility.”
The San Francisco announcement is the latest step in the two companies’ relationship following a $15m investment into Eve by United last year, alongside a conditional purchase agreement for 200 eVTOLs.
Eve’s eVTOL aircraft are expected to enter service in 2026 and will have a range of 60 miles (100km), it will be manually piloted upon its launch but the company aims to offer uncrewed operations in the future.
United Airlines Ventures president Michael Leskinen said: “Urban Air Mobility has the potential to revolutionise how United customers work, live and travel.
“Eve’s proposed route is a critical first step towards making this all-electric and quiet commute a reality for Bay Area residents.”
Alongside promoting the benefits for customers, Eve was also keen to state that eVTOL flights in the area could bring economic benefits such as more jobs through direct employment by Eve and through the creation of infrastructure projects supporting the company’s operations.
In that area, Eve also recently signed a letter of intent with Ferrovial Vertiports to look at the use of the company’s urban air traffic management software to support vertiports and the operation of eVTOLs from them.
Eve is also backed by Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Embraer and benefits from access to the company’s global service centres, warehouses and field technicians, something which plays a key role in the partnership with United.
